Hard-core 2024 Land Rover Defender Octa revealed

The 2024 Land Rover Defender Octa has finally made its world debut as the most capable and intense Defender variant to date, packing upgraded suspension, wheels, brakes and the SV’s twin-turbo V8.

Order books for the world’s hottest factory Defender will open in the near future, with pricing starting from $291,542 plus on-road costs – a sizeable $91,543 more than the Defender 110 P525 V8.

The Octa’s 4.4-litre BMW powerplant outputs 467kW/750Nm and drives all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, giving the Octa a 4.0-second 0-100km/h acceleration time when fitted with all-season tyres – as opposed to bespoke 33-inch Goodyear all-terrain rubber.

Land Rover says maximum torque is available from just 1800rpm right the way through to almost 6000rpm and periodically jumps to 800Nm when Dynamic Launch Mode is engaged.

The Octa stands 28mm taller than any other current Defender variant, while its tracks have been widened by 68mm front and rear.

Myriad suspension componentry and geometry changes have been made in the name of articulation, body control and ride comfort, including longer and thicker wishbones, new springs and continuously-variable semi-active dampers.

Other enchantments include 400mm front brake discs, Brembo callipers, the fastest steering ratio ever fitted to a Defender, specially tuned drive modes and the addition of Octa Mode delivering extreme off-road performance, plus unique interior appointments and suitably flared guards to match the widened tracks.

The Octa drive mode comprises maximum-aggression settings for the powertrain and off-road launch control system, a bespoke traction and stability control tune and unique off-road ABS calibration – think of it like Baja mode in the Ford Ranger Raptor.

All of the Defender’s standard suite of Terrain Response modes – Sand, Mud and Ruts, Grass Gravel Snow, Rock Crawl – are present too, along with the ClearSight Ground View system.

Wading depth is officially rated at a segment-leading 1000mm, while the redesigned front and rear bumpers improve approach and departure angles for better clearance.

Inside the cabin you’ll find new performance seats upholstered in semi-aniline leather and Kvadrat textile and fitted with ‘Body and Soul’ functions, plus all the usual gear seen in other high-end Defenders.

This includes a heated windscreen, power-adjustable steering wheel, Meridian sound system, Pivi Pro infotainment system, smartphone projection, tri-zone climate control and a glass roof.

“Our high-performance experts have achieved the impossible with Defender OCTA, working tirelessly over the past three years to create the most capable Defender ever made – regardless of which surface it is enjoyed on,” said JLR SVO director Jamal Hameedi.

“They have re-engineered components throughout the vehicle to ensure Defender OCTA is the perfect companion for epic adventures anywhere on the planet.”

An even more expensive and exclusive Edition One version is being offered in limited numbers globally for the Octa’s first year of production, starting from a cool $317,592 and defined by its ‘curated specification’, exclusive new paint options and Chopped Carbon Fibre detailing.

How much does the Land Rover Defender 110 cost?
D350 X-Dynamic SE – $109,880
D350 X-Dynamic HSE – $125,125
D350 X – $158,627
P400 S – $94,992
P400 X-Dynamic SE – $115,250
P400 X-Dynamic HSE – $129,900
P400 X – $159,945
D350 Sedona Edition – $135,791
PHEV 400 X-Dynamic SE – $126,800
PHEV 400 X-Dynamic HSE – $138,705
P525 V8 – $199,999
Octa – $291,542
Octa Edition One – $317,592
* Prices exclude on-road costs

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au